There’s just something irresistible about crispy potatoes with a golden crust and rich, savory flavor—especially when they come out of the air fryer perfectly seasoned and tender on the inside. This recipe for Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes has quickly become one of my go-to sides for everything from casual weeknight dinners to cozy weekend lunches. It’s simple, fuss-free, and absolutely delicious. The kind of dish you find yourself reaching for straight off the tray before it even hits the table.
I love how the garlic infuses the potatoes with deep flavor while the parmesan adds a salty, cheesy finish that crisps up beautifully. The air fryer works magic here—giving you that oven-roasted texture in a fraction of the time. If you’re a fan of easy, satisfying recipes that make the most out of pantry staples, this one’s going to win you over fast.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are the perfect size for quick air frying. Their thin skins get beautifully crispy while the inside stays creamy. I like to use a mix of yellow and red baby potatoes for a pop of color and subtle flavor variation.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps everything crisp up in the air fryer and carries the seasoning evenly across the potatoes. It adds a slight richness without overpowering the garlic or cheese.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for that bold, aromatic kick. It seeps into the crevices of the potatoes as they cook, creating tiny bursts of flavor in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: The parmesan not only gives a nutty, salty note, but it also crisps up into delicious golden edges. Use freshly grated for the best melt and texture—pre-shredded can be waxy and less flavorful.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a subtle earthy backdrop that pairs perfectly with garlic and cheese. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme works just fine.
Salt and Pepper: These two are your flavor foundation. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper bring out the best in the other ingredients and help balance the richness.
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and dry the baby potatoes thoroughly, then cut them in half. This helps them cook evenly and exposes more surface area to crisp up.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is coated well—this is where the flavor magic happens.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. A hot basket gives you an instant sizzle for extra crispy edges.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. They’re done when the outsides are golden and crisp, and a fork slides in easily.
Step 5: Serve
Serve them hot, straight out of the basket, with an extra sprinkle of parmesan or a dash of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. They’re perfect on their own or paired with just about any main dish.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t skip the preheat: A hot air fryer helps the potatoes get that golden crust right from the start.
- Avoid overcrowding: For best results, keep the potatoes in a single layer so they don’t steam instead of crisp.
- Use fresh garlic: Garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh garlic brings much more depth and flavor.
- Try flipping the potatoes cut-side down: This helps the exposed surface caramelize beautifully.
- Add herbs after cooking: Delicate herbs like parsley or chives are great for garnish but will burn in the air fryer if added too early.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, just cut them into 1-inch chunks. Yukon gold or red potatoes work best for a similar creamy interior.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the seasoned potatoes ahead and air fry just before serving. Reheating in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes helps them crisp back up.
What can I serve with these potatoes?
They’re great with grilled meats, baked chicken, or even eggs for brunch. You can also dip them in ranch, garlic aioli, or sour cream.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Nope! The skins add texture and flavor—and they get wonderfully crispy in the air fryer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Sure! Just skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The garlic and herbs still pack plenty of flavor.